"because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;" (Colossians 1:5, 6 NKJV).

The grace of God is not just a doctrine that remains in the pages of theological journals. The grace of God is the unmerited favor of God that constantly changes all who are in contact with it.

Paul in the above scripture highlights that the truth of the gospel that was given to them has not only been growing but it has brought forth fruit. The fruit that was visible according to Paul is "since you heard and knew the grace of God in truth" . The grace of God produces fruit! The grace of God is not just a doctrine. It is a person and that is Jesus! When Christ is in me and living through me there will be fruit and visible results. How can you let this grace grow in you?

Paul said "since you heard and knew the grace of God in truth”. In the church people have heard of the grace of God but maybe we have not known the grace of God! The word know here in the original text is "epiginoceko" which means "to become fully acquainted with" , " to know absolutely with a great variety of application", " to be aware or to understand". The grace of God becomes a spiritual fruit producing power in us as we fully and absolutely come to know this grace of God.

How can we know this grace more? Peter in his letter writes, "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord," (2 Peter 1:2 NKJV). Grace and peace can be multiplied, which carries the meaning of "being filled in us or abound in us". The way it abounds and fills us is through the knowledge of Jesus. The more you know Jesus, the more you know the grace of God and the more you will see the fruit.

Being fruitful is not the first goal. Abiding and knowing Jesus is the first priority. So often we look for fruit. God wants us to abide in Him first than to advance the Kingdom. Fruit will come when grace comes! Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5 NKJV). The abiding is first then comes the fruit. Don't go for the fruit, go for Jesus, know Him more, rest in Him more and you will be automatically abounding and growing in spiritual fruit!

Pray and ask the Lord how you can spend more time knowing Jesus.